Daniel was claiming incapacity benefit due to a condition called Cystic Hygroma - otherwise known as a 'lymphangioma'; which is a rare condition where a tumour, usually present from birth, develops just underneath the skin and especially in the neck region.

Due to his health, Daniel had undergone many operations and had been inactive in the job market for just over 12 months.  Daniel felt that he had fully recovered and came to Seetec to register on the Pathways to Work programme as he now felt ready to return to work.   

Daniel’s main work experience was as a Care Assistant in a local care home.  He had signed up for an IT Course with a local training provider, as he had a keen interest in computers and wanted to update his skill levels, plus he thought it might open up future career options in possibly an administration type role.  However, following his initial assessment with Louise, his Adviser, it was identified that he was looking for a quick return to work because not having a job at all was making him depressed and anxious.  Louise suggested that maybe he should broaden his options until completion of his IT course.  Daniel agreed as he knew he lacked experience and confidence in this field. 

Daniel attended Seetec’s employment and training centre in Dudley regularly and was encouraged to utilise the full job broking facilities.  He attended the centre 3-4 times a week, received 1:1 support with job matching and job search, had help with letter writing and CV preparation and went through interview and telephone techniques benefiting immensely from staging mock interviews before going “live”.  Daniel also attended Seetec’s open job club sessions, which are run on a “drop in” basis.

Through sheer determination and hard work Daniel has now been successful in finding employment and has secured a position with Asda, Merryhill.  Daniel saw the position on the Jobcentre Plus website and quickly filled in the application form.  He was then invited to attend a group session involving a work trial, and successfully proved to Asda that he was the right person for the job, resulting in being offered a 19 hour contract.  Daniel’s role involves picking, packing and delivery of online shopping orders.

Although Daniel has had several knock backs along the way, either not receiving responses from applications, or attending interviews and being unsuccessful; this has never deterred him.  He and the team at Seetec have remained positive and proactive.

Asda’s People’s Manager, Margitta Hammond said “I am sure Daniel will be a great addition to the Home Shopping Department and Asda Dudley”.

Daniel has a great new job which gives him a sense of purpose plus he is now financially better off every month.  Daniel said “I have found Seetec’s support to be brilliant, everyone is really helpful and friendly and I am really pleased to be returning to work”.

If you would like to find out more about Pathways to Work in the Black Country, please click here.